There’s nothing #basic about sustainable basics that reduce our impact on the world. Between organic fabrics and ethical manufacturing, everyday essentials can be much more than your go-to comfy clothes.
Finding good quality basics can be difficult with all the fast fashion brands running a muck, which is why we compiled a list of our favorites for you.
We focused on brands who use better, more sustainable, non-toxic materials, ethical sourcing and production, green business initiatives and more.
However, our new Brand Rating System is now live, which assesses brands against multiple additional sustainability-related criteria, including climate impact and product durability. For more information on this system, check out our explainer and look out for rated brands on the list below.
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
Our Top Picks: Sustainable Basics
Organic Basics is all about basics made from predominantly GOTS certified organic cotton. Life Cycle Assessments are in place for all products and they are carbon-neutral. Organic basics has been extensively rated and reviewed by us here.
Keeping it local, Harvest & Mill is one of the few brands offering ethical basics made in the USA and we can personally vouch for their dreamy soft organic cotton comfort.
MATE the Label’s our best mate for wardrobe essentials thanks to sustainable fabrics, ethical manufacturing, and the brand’s recycling program. We own several of their oh-so-comfortable styles and wouldn’t be without them.
Index: Ethical Basics
- Organic Basics Jump to brand
- Subset Jump to brand
- Harvest & Mill Jump to brand
- Pact Jump to brand
- Colorful Standard Jump to brand
- Allbirds Jump to brand
- MATE The Label Jump to brand
- tentree Jump to brand
- Nat’v Basics Jump to brand
- Mighty Good Basics Jump to brand
- Brook There Jump to brand
Organic Basics
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materials
Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.
Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
1% for the planet
Better Work
FSC®
GOTS
GRS
OCS
OEKO-TEX®
REACH
WRAP
1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.Better Work
The Better Work program is a collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that aims to improve labor standards and business competitiveness in the global garment industry. It combines independent factory assessments with advisory services, training, and public reporting to promote safe working conditions, fair pay, and respect for workers’ rights.FSC®
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Products bearing the FSC® label support biodiversity, protect the rights of forest communities and workers, and promote sustainable forestry practices.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.GRS
The GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification, managed by Textile Exchange, verifies that products contain recycled materials and that these materials are tracked through the entire supply chain. It also ensures responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices in production.OCS
The OCS (Organic Content Standard) certification, managed by Textile Exchange, verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a final product. It tracks the certified organic content from the source to the finished good through a transparent chain-of-custody system, ensuring that labeling claims about organic composition are accurate and independently verified.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.REACH
The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU law designed to protect human health and the environment from risks posed by chemicals. It requires companies to identify and manage chemical risks by registering substances they manufacture or import, ensuring safe use, and promoting the development of safer alternatives. Products compliant with REACH are free from the most harmful or restricted chemicals under EU standards.WRAP
The WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certification ensures that manufacturing facilities operate safely, ethically, and lawfully. Focused primarily on the apparel, footwear, and sewn products industries, WRAP audits factories against 12 core principles covering labor rights, health and safety, environmental compliance, and legal operations.Organic Basics has been rated & reviewed by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
And the award for the most apt name in this list goes to…Organic Basics.
The carbon neutral Danish company is well-stocked with everyday, minimalist and stylish basics for men and women including underwear, t-shirts, tops, sweaters, loungewear, socks, pajamas, beanies and accessories.
GOTS certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, and recycled polyester (sometimes blended with minimal virgin nylon) are the most common fabrics used.
My Personal Review Of Organic Basics’ Basics:
“II’ve been testing out a few basics from Organic Basics, including the True Boxy Tee, Long Sleeve, the Core Triangle Bralette, Core Rib Briefs and their tennis socks. The 100% organic cotton pieces are easily my favorite—they’re soft, breathable, and comfortable, plus they have better end-of-life options. I personally prefer the looser-fitting styles, especially the boxy tops, as they suit me better than super form-fitting pieces. The socks are comfortable, and I really like their retro style. I love the briefs – no riding up, very light and comfortable and fun colors. The bralette is very comfortable too but suits my body less than a standard bralette with no triangles so I’d opt for that style next time.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-Founder
Subset
Subset has not been rated.
About Subset
Price Range: $12–$168
Subset (formerly known as Knickey) doesn’t ‘waste’ any time, producing some of the best ethical basics clothing available.
The NYC-based organic underwear brand carries high-quality bras, maternity, underwear, and loungewear for men and women.
Numbers like the Low-Rise Thong are made for those “who don’t wear thongs.” It has a slim fit and is made from plush organic cotton.
Plus, Subset designs their women’s undergarments to help the 300 million who suffer from vaginal yeast and bladder infections annually.
Subsets’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Subset uses 95% GOTS-certified organic cotton and a bit of elastane (5%) for maneuverability. All of the fabric is dyed using OEKO-TEX-approved dyes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Subset packages and ship orders directly from their Brooklyn warehouse, but everything else happens across India.
They work with organic farms, ginners, and spinners nationwide, with its primary Fair Trade Factory in Tamil Nadu.
The Subset team regularly visits the factory, ensuring an ethical and safe environment.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Subset employs different methods to reduce water usage and recycle it across their farms and factories.
On each product page, you can view the carbon footprint, water savings, and land area saved from pesticides.
Subset provides a Recycling Program where you can send back used ethical fashion basics for repurposing.
Subset also ships each order in SFI-certified, plastic-free, recycled materials.
Inclusivity:
Women’s sizes range from XXS to 3XL, with a diverse range of plus-size models.
Ethical men’s basics can be purchased in sizes between S–2XL.
My Personal Review of Subset’s Mid-Rise Retro Brief & Mid-Rise Bikini:
“I wear Subset undies religiously, and they’re hands down some of the most comfortable pieces of underwear I’ve ever worn. I especially love the enclosed elastic hems that provide an ultra-comfy fit without any pinching. Plus, the waist is the perfect height, not too high but high enough to give my tummy a little extra tuck.”
Reviews by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Harvest & Mill
Harvest & Mill has not been rated.
About Harvest & Mill
Price Range: $12–$185
Harvest & Mill is where you want to go to buy sustainable basics clothing that has been “grown and sewn in the USA”.
They have minimalist styles for men and women, like the Natural Pack shirt and short set made from 100% organic cotton.
Harvest & Mill’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
They use 100% heirloom organic cotton, much of which is undyed, yielding neutral colors.
The only exception is their black fabric. While still organic cotton, it contains low-impact fiber-reactive dyes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The fabrics, yarns, and cotton are sourced in the USA, where they’re also turned into clothes.
With a local supply chain, Harvest & Mill can ensure ethical working conditions. All workers benefit from safe work environments and fair wages.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The low-impact dyes follow the strongest EPA discharge and environmental laws, ensuring zero water and soil pollution.
Harvest & Mill supports regenerative agriculture and partners with Fibershed to help increase biodiversity and promote soil health.
The company and all its garments are certified Carbon Neutral.
Inclusivity:
The woman co-founded company offers organic cotton basics in sizes S-XL.
My Personal Review of Harvest & Mill’s Organic Pack: Athletic Shorts + Unisex Style Tee:
“I’ve now worn the Organic Pack shirt and short set ad nauseam and can attest that the insanely soft organic cotton is dreamy, breathable, and surprisingly durable, probably because of the quality stitching and premium fabric used. It’s become a summer lounge come sleeping essential for me.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Pact
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.Thoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Fair Trade
GOTS
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards that protect workers and the planet. Overseen by organizations such as Fair Trade USA and Fairtrade International, it guarantees fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and community development funds, helping producers build more equitable and resilient supply chains.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.About Pact
Price Range: $14–$134
Pact makes packing your wardrobe full of affordable, sustainable basics easy.
With minimalist styles for the entire family, Pact is a go-to for everything from socks and underwear to basic tops.
We’ve tested many of their pieces and love the dependable quality of options like the Luxe Knit Cropped Cardigan, which is both lounge-worthy and luncheon-worthy.
Pact’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
GOTS-certified organic cotton is the principal material in most garments, but the stretchier fabrics feature a small amount of elastane.
You can narrow your search to collections of 100% organic cotton clothes for both men and women.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Pact sources organic cotton from India, where the clothing is also processed in a Fair Trade-certified factory.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
In addition to practices that curb water and energy use and fabric waste, Pact ships carbon-neutral and virgin plastic-free, using post-consumer recycled materials and biodegradable poly bags.
Inclusivity:
Women’s sizes run from XS-XXL and men’s from S-XXL.
Community & charitable giving:
Wondering what to do with old clothes?
The cardboard box used for shipping doubles as a Give Back Box, where gently used clothing can be sent back for distribution among nonprofits.
My Personal Review of Pact’s Knit Short Cardigan:
“I basically live in this versatile cardigan. I wear it to feed my quail in the mornings, layer it over a cute dress for dinner, or just curl up in it during long work-from-home days. It’s super versatile and even though the knit is loose, it’s surprisingly sturdy. I’ve never had any issues with fraying or snagging. The exact style isn’t available anymore, but the Luxe Knit Cropped Cardigan is pretty close and has a cute button front.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Colorful Standard
Colorful Standard has not been rated.
About Colorful Standard
Price Range: $38–$110
Add some pop to your basics with Colorful Standard and their vertically integrated supply chain that keeps essentials affordable—and colorful!
In men’s, women’s, and unisex sizes, Colorful Standard has t-shirts, socks, and sweats in a huge array of different colors.
We’ve tested the Sweatpants and love their all-day versatility for lounging on the couch or running errands. Plus, the fabric is so thick and toasty warm!
Colorful Standard’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
PETA-approved organic cotton and GRS and OEKO-TEX-certified recycled Merino wool are the only materials used.
Your many color options are thanks to OEKO-TEX-certified dyes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Transparency is a breeze with CS—they have their manufacturing center in Portugal that adheres to European Labor Laws and ensures workers receive fair conditions and pay.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Colorful Standard doesn’t do sales or seasons. Instead, they create high-quality, long-lasting clothes that help people buy less over time.
Precise laser cutting keeps fabric waste minimal, and any excess is turned into furniture filling.
Through offsets and tree planting, Ecologi has ranked itself as a climate-positive company, and they ship using recycled, FSC-certified packaging.
Inclusivity:
While most of their collection is designed to be gender neutral, the “women’s” styles are available in XS-XL and “men’s” in XS-2XL.
My Personal Review of Colorful Standard’s Organic Sustainable Sweatpants:
“Sweatpants are meant to be comfy, but Colorful Standard’s are on a whole other level. The inside is like having a fuzzy blanket for your legs, and the outside is thick and durable, so they feel high-quality, and like they’ll last a long time. I lived in them last winter (work-from-home life = sweats all day), and they still look amazing after tons of wear—no fading or pilling in sight!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Allbirds
Allbirds has not been rated.
About Allbirds
Price Range: $14–$118
You know what they say—Allbirds in the hand (or on the body) are worth two in the bush.
Besides their famous sustainable running shoes, this brand has expanded into offering a variety of activewear-capable eco-friendly basics, like socks, tees, underwear, and more.
Allbirds’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Allbirds’ basics utilizes tree pulp-based lyocell, Merino wool, and organic cotton, along with select recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and a small amount of elastane are occasionally used.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Allbirds was co-founded by a New Zealander, where the ZQ Merino wool is also sourced.
The Certified B Corp has factory partners in North Carolina, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Peru, and China.
Various third-party standards cover each and adhere to Allbirds’ Code of Conduct.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
By 2025, Allbirds hopes to cut their footprint in half and, by 2030, achieve near zero emissions. In the meantime, offsetting makes them 100% carbon neutral.
Their carbon offset projects include wind energy products, clean cookstoves, solar projects, and regenerative wool in Argentina.
Inclusivity:
Women’s and men’s sizes XS-XXXL are available.
Community & charitable giving:
Partnering with Soles4Souls, consumers can send their old Allbirds shoes back to be distributed to global communities that need them.
My Personal Review of Allbirds Anytime No Show Sock:
The Anytime No Show Sock is my absolute fave. For most activities, they stay securely in place without constantly having to be adjusted. I wouldn’t go running in these, but for pretty much everything else, they’re super comfy and stay put all day!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
MATE The Label
MATE The Label has not been rated.
About MATE the Label
Price Range: $28–$258
Basics are your wardrobe’s best friend, and you’ll find none better than MATE the Label.
The Los Angeles-based brand offers everyday activewear, loungewear, and layering essentials.
MATE the Label’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
GOTS-certified organic cotton is MATE’s best mate, but you’ll occasionally see conventional cotton, linen, and minimal spandex.
Thanks to low-impact dyes, you can get essentials in nearly every color under the sun.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The cotton is sourced from an organic farm in India.
All garments are manufactured in Los Angeles, in a fair-wage factory less than 20 miles from MATE’s headquarters.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Their reMATE circularity recycling program accepts old MATE products to be transformed into new ones.
MATE is proud to hold Climate Neutral and B Corp certifications.
Inclusivity:
Moved by the BLM movement, this woman founded company developed a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion framework and Anti-Racist & Accountability Action Plan.
Extended sizing means all essential styles are available in XS-3X, with diverse models for representation.
My Personal Review of MATE the Label’s Organic Cotton Classic Tee:
“MATE the Label’s Organic Cotton Classic Tee ticks all the boxes—it’s simple, clean, and has a laid-back fit that makes it a must-have wardrobe essential. The fabric is ridiculously soft and lightweight, so it’s perfect for layering or wearing solo on those super hot days. If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll already know I’m all about those subdued, earthy tones, and this tee totally nails that, too.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
tentree
tentree has not been rated.
About tentree
Price Range: $15–$328
Sustainable outdoor clothing brand tentree may just as well grow their range of ethical basic clothing on trees because it is so impressive.
The brand creates high-quality styles for men, women, and children, like the Treeblend Henley T-Shirt, which combines style and comfort with eco-friendly materials.
tentree’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
TENCEL™ lyocell, recycled polyester (from plastic bottles), organic cotton, and hemp are the primary materials used, though added elastane gives some garments a little stretch.
Supply chain & labor practices:
tentree’s Factory Ledger transparently shares where each garment is produced and each location’s third-party certifications (Fair Wear Foundation, WRAP, Fair Trade, BSCI, and SA8000).
They’re also a Certified B Corp.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
tentree’s supply chain is free of single-use plastics, down to shipping materials like FSC-recycled paper instead of polybags.
On their website, you can buy carbon offsets to offset your own emissions, like international flights, pet ownership, or hot showers.
Inclusivity:
Women’s sizes run from XS-XXL and men’s from S-XXL
Community & charitable giving:
tentree refers to their practice of planting ten trees for every purchase. They’re working to plant one billion by 2030.
This provides selected communities of damaged biodiversity with carbon sequestration and reforestation benefits and meaningful work.
Nat’v Basics
Nat’v Basics has not been rated.
About Nat’v Basics
Price Range: $12–$170
Nat’v Basics is anything but(t).
The Australian brand makes top-notch ethical basics that you can wear daily. Nat’v has a range of styles, including g-strings, high-waisted panties, bikinis, cheeky shorts, bralettes, bodysuits, tops, and accessories.
Those like the Miami Cheeky Brief are ideal for daily comfort. The high-waisted short features a wider waistband, ensuring zero riding or pinching.
Nat’v Basics’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Nat’v utilizes sustainable materials—GOTS-certified cotton, recycled polyamide, recycled nylon, TENCEL™—to produce clothing that’s good for your body and the environment.
If they incorporate synthetic materials, they match them with a 100% organic cotton lining.
Plus, all their sustainable clothing essentials feature non-toxic dyes and OEKO-TEX certifications, meaning no harmful chemicals in areas you don’t want them.
Supply chain & labor practices:
As an ethical brand for basics, Nat’v sources materials from sites with Fair Trade, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications.
Nat’v also has partners in Jiaxing, China, which is BSCI certified and independently audited, providing workers 24% more than the minimum wage.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Nat’v ships all its ethical basics clothing via carbon-neutral and plastic-free shipping methods. This includes FSC-certified compostable mailers, packaging, and tissue, all printed using soy-based inks.
Their Fair Trade-certified factories integrate battery-powered machinery, compost bins, natural lighting, and LED installments to converse energy and trash.
Inclusivity:
Nat’v crafts everyday basics in women’s sizes S–XXXL.
Mighty Good Basics
Mighty Good Basics has not been rated.
About Mighty Good Basics
Price Range: $24–$35
We don’t think you get a more on-point brand name for this particular category of clothing: Mighty Good Basics is mighty good for the utmost essentials.
Unsurprisingly, this Australia-based brand specializes in “down under” duds—namely tank tops and underwear.
Their quintessential Tank Top is one of the best-sellers, featuring wide straps and a scoop neck for ultimate comfort.
Mighty Good Basics’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Certified small-scale Fairtrade organic cotton and a small amount of elastane are used in some garments.
Only AZO-free, sustainable dyes are used.
Supply chain & labor practices:
They share details about their entire supply chain, including each manufacturing partner’s locations, employee benefits, and third-party certifications.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Within the next few years, MGB should be a circular business, complete with an underwear recycling program.
Their dye houses recycle most of the water used, and other manufacturing partners employ methods to reduce energy requirements (i.e. burning rice industry waste instead of fossil fuels).
Inclusivity:
Women’s sizes XS-XXL are available, and sustainable men’s basics range from S-XXL.
Brook There
Brook There has not been rated.
About Brook There
Price Range: $38–$78
Brook There aims to “create a timeless, well-made garment you can treasure for years.”
They are one of the best clothing brands for basics, like underwear, sustainable bras, and loungewear.
We love simple pieces like the Undyed Organic Jersey Short for their reliability and comfort.
Brook There’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
As lovers of organic cotton, they have an entire shop section devoted to it.
Sometimes, you’ll see a little spandex blended in, and other pieces are made with silk and lace.
Fiber-reactive dye is used to create most of their colors.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Organic cotton is sourced in California and South Carolina. Everything is cut and sewn in Massachusetts, and the designs and patterns are completed in Maine.
Keeping everything close to home means they know each of their workers by name and ensure they’re supported with fair working conditions.
Brook There does everything possible to source materials in the US, but some things (like lace, silk, and elastic trims) are imported.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Everything is shipped with EcoEnclose recycled and reusable poly bags and recycled tissue paper.
Inclusivity:
The standard size range is XS–XXL, but they’re actively working to expand this.
Jenny is a UK-based sustainability writer and tea-drinker extraordinaire who has a Masters in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. Her travels have taken her to organic permaculture farms in the UK and Nepal but you’ll mostly find her working on the veg patch with a garden fork in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Jenny writes for ethical brands and purpose-powered publications on a broad range of sustainable living and conscious consumerism topics. She is passionate about organic and regenerative farming, nature reconnection, and the small things we can do each day to better care for our planet.
